Meet Nick Fung: From East Village Runner to Boston Qualifier.
At Brooklyn Running Company, we love hearing inspiring stories from our running community. We’re thrilled to feature Nick Fung, an East Village runner whose journey highlights perseverance, passion, and an unrelenting drive to improve. Read on as Nick shares insights into his running journey, overcoming injuries, and what keeps him motivated.
Photo credit: @moejarte
1. Introduction
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your running journey?
I’m Nick Fung and briefly speaking, I’m an East Village local, Japanese egg sando lover, and pittie stepdad. I took up running in my later years with the occasional half marathon, which I was just running for completion, until I decided to chase the infamous Boston Qualifier in 2019. Fortunately, it took my first attempt to qualify in Berlin, and at that point, I was hooked. Been chipping away at my time ever since.
You’ve overcome some serious challenges recently, including getting hit by a car—how has that impacted you physically and mentally?
I've lived in NYC for 10 years and have had plenty of close calls with cars, but never would I have thought I'd actually get nailed by one. This was at Chelsea Piers, and I thankfully came out relatively unscathed with only a minor injury, but the experience definitely had an effect on me mentally. A not-so-gentle reminder to stay aware of your surroundings and be diligent.
What keeps you going, and what are some of your biggest accomplishments since then?
I love the daily chase. I love seeing hard work pay off. I love feeling the endorphins of crossing the finish line. I’m grateful that I was able to bounce back quickly from the accident and run a 4-minute PB of 2:32 in Berlin this year. We’re still chasing that 2:30 though – work to be done.
2. The NYC Running Scene
Community: What makes the NYC running community special to you?
It doesn't matter what your background is, where you came from, or what your goals are. At the root of it, everyone's out there for movement and to find their own peace.
How does running in NYC motivate and inspire you, especially post-injury?
Seeing others crush their goals feeds my fire and motivates me to continue to chase mine.
Favorite Spots: Where are your favorite places to run in the city?
I do my easy runs on a lower loop of the Manhattan perimeter pretty religiously. I like the monotony of running the same loop over and over. My long runs often start in Williamsburg at the Park House with an out-and-back to LaGuardia Airport. McCarren Park Track is also a staple for speed and tempo workouts.
Run Crews & Events: Have you connected with any NYC run crews? How has that experience been?
I started running in NYC with Old Man Run Club, and since then have run with Nike NYC, Brooklyn Track Club, and MOTIVNY. While these clubs are all unique in their own ways, I’ve found it easy to connect with like-minded runners who have similar aspirations. I've developed some of my closest friendships with people I’ve met through these groups.
I tend to be more of a lone wolf with my training, but I do consistently run with Maman Athletics, a very chill group out of Maman Greenpoint that meets every Friday morning for a 4-mile easy loop with coffee after. It’s a great way to see friends and decompress from the workweek, as well as shake out prior to Saturday's long run.
Do you have any favorite local races or events that you look forward to each year?
C'mon, the NYC Marathon! 2024 was my sixth consecutive. Ready to keep it rolling.
3. Overcoming Injuries
Can you share more about the injuries you’ve had, especially after getting hit by a car? What were the toughest moments?
I've been pretty lucky on the injury front, and I haven't had any serious injuries that put me out for more than a few weeks.
Mostly tendonitis, strains, bone bruises, and the like. Earlier this year, Achilles tendonitis sidelined me for six weeks leading up to the Boston Marathon. Threw a huge wrench in my block, but miraculously felt great the week of the race, so I ran it with any fitness I had left. It was a grind, but I was so grateful I was able to toe the start line.
What did your recovery process look like? Did you face any setbacks or learn anything surprising?
When dealing with any of these minor injuries, I stick to tried and true methods: physical therapy, strength, mobility, and patience.
What advice would you give to other runners who are dealing with injuries or setbacks?
It’s much easier said than done, but it's okay to do what we can versus what we want. Sometimes all we can do is stay optimistic. Stay consistent and continue stacking the recovery, and it’ll pay off.
4. What’s Next in Your Running Journey?
What’s next for you in terms of races or marathons? Any big goals you’re chasing?
My end game is to go under 2:30 in the marathon. I can feel myself fast approaching that level of fitness, and I’m hoping to take a crack at it next fall.
How are you making sure to stay healthy and avoid future injuries?
My focus has become prioritizing sleep, proper fuel, and strength and mobility. Those are the recipe for success.
5. Life Beyond Running
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not running?
I love cooking. My parents owned restaurants while I was growing up, so naturally, I have a knack for the kitchen.
How do you balance your life outside of running with your running goals?
I make a concerted effort to continue showing up for others when it matters, and being clear about my dedication to my running goals. Sometimes it can be really tough to balance, and you have to make choices and sacrifices, but my family and friends are very supportive of my goals, just as I am of theirs.
6. Closing Thoughts
How has your relationship with running changed through all the ups and downs?
Growing up, running was never part of my exercise regimen. Over the years, as I continued to fall more in love with the sport and see improvements in my performance, running slowly made its way into my everyday life. I hope to continue as long as my body allows me to.
What are some key lessons you’ve learned from running that apply to life in general?
Everyone is on their own journey—quit the comparison.
Nick’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, the joy of chasing goals, and the importance of community. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or aiming for a personal best, there’s something in his journey that resonates with all of us.